Sobrino de Botín

The Guinness-certified oldest restaurant in the world (1725), just below Plaza Mayor, roasting suckling pig (€32) and lamb in a wood oven that's never gone cold. Hemingway set the final scene of The Sun Also Rises here. It's touristy and not cheap, but the food holds up — book ahead and ask for the cellar (cueva).

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What's the Hemingway connection?

He was a devoted regular and set the closing scene of The Sun Also Rises at Botín, over roast suckling pig and rioja. Unlike some claims around Madrid, this one is on the page — the novel names the restaurant.

How much does dinner at Botín cost?

Plan on €50-70 per person with the cochinillo, a starter, dessert, and wine. It's a history-inclusive price — fair for what it is, but not a budget meal.

What are Botín's hours?

Open daily from 13:00 to about 23:30, effectively running lunch and two dinner seatings. The early dinner seating is easier to book and better with jet lag or kids.

How far ahead should I book?

At least a week for weekend dinners, a few days for weekday lunch; book on botin.es. When reserving, request the cueva (the vaulted cellar) or the old first-floor dining rooms for maximum atmosphere.

Is Botín a tourist trap?

It's touristy — most tables are visitors — but the kitchen hasn't coasted: the cochinillo is legitimately well executed. If your bar is 'would locals go?', they do, for celebrations; if it's 'is this undiscovered?', obviously not.

Is Sobrino de Botín really the world's oldest restaurant?

It holds the Guinness World Record, serving continuously since 1725, with a wood-fired oven said to date from 1590. Whatever the asterisks historians add, eating in those creaking dining rooms feels every bit of three centuries old.

Can Botín handle vegetarians or dietary restrictions?

The menu is roast-meat-forward, but there are salads, egg dishes, and fish, and the kitchen is used to international requests. Vegetarians will manage; vegans will find it tough — flag anything when you book.

What should I order at Botín?

The cochinillo asado — roast suckling pig, about €32 — is the signature, with roast lamb (cordero) the classic alternative. Skin should crackle; add a simple salad and the house red and don't overcomplicate it.

Nearby in Ask Madrid

• Casa RevueltaBar0.08 km · 1 min walk
• Mercado de San MiguelAttraction0.16 km · 2 min walk
• Plaza MayorAttraction0.16 km · 2 min walk
• Taberna El TempranilloBar0.29 km · 4 min walk
• Chocolatería San GinésCafé0.31 km · 4 min walk